Date of this Version

2021

Document Type

DNP Project

Rights

default

Abstract

Schizophrenia is complex to treat, as individuals with the disorder have high hospital readmission rates due to medication noncompliance. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2017), mental health disparities negatively influence access to care and health outcomes in minority and vulnerable populations including people with schizophrenia. Research indicates that long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication could increase treatment adherence and reduce hospital readmission rates in individuals with schizophrenia. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to investigate mental health disparities among individuals with schizophrenia at a large hospital in Miami, Florida from June 2020 to December 2020. A quantitative research approach was used with a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional design to conduct this project. Data such as gender, age, and LAI antipsychotic medication was collected and examined from a sample of 120 individuals with schizophrenia. Results revealed that males and younger adults, aged 49 years and under, were more frequently prescribed LAI antipsychotic medication than females and older adults at a large hospital in Miami, Florida from June 2020 to December 2020. While Haldol Decanoate and Invega Sustenna were most prescribed to individuals with schizophrenia, Abilify Aristada, and Fluphenazine Decanoate were the least prescribed. Nurses and health care providers are called to eliminate health disparities among individuals with schizophrenia globally and nationally.

Keywords: schizophrenia, long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication, mental health disparity, advanced practice nursing

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